Manchester City have initiated formal discussions with Liverpool regarding a potential transfer for forward Cody Gakpo, as the August window enters its final three days. The Netherlands international, aged 27, has reportedly drawn concrete approaches from both City and Tottenham Hotspur, though sources suggest Manchester City is his chosen destination should he depart Anfield before Tuesday's deadline.
City made their official contact on Saturday evening. The potential departure comes shortly after Liverpool agreed a deal for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with the fee reaching up to £123 million. However, Liverpool are understood to favour securing another forward first before sanctioning a sale this summer, with Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr among the names on their radar.
Gakpo joined Liverpool from boyhood club PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £35 million and has since registered 33 Premier League goals in 91 appearances. He continued his start to the season with a goal in the draw at Newcastle and a crucial assist for Alexander Isak's strike in Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest.
The financial profile of a move is compelling — a fee of roughly £85 million would yield a substantial profit for Liverpool. Yet the risk is undeniable: with Hugo Ekitike sidelined until 2027 following a ruptured Achilles and Isak's ongoing injury concerns, letting go of a proven, multi-functional attacker is not a decision the club takes lightly.
Liverpool's position has long been that they would not obstruct a solid offer if their own attacking reinforcements arrived. The addition of Barcola and the emergence of Rio Ngumoha, alongside newcomer Victor Munoz, has further shifted the equations. Gakpo is reportedly aware that his path to first-team regularity is now more uncertain, meaning any move would come as no shock. But with this conversation occurring so late in the window, Liverpool will weigh their options carefully before giving permission.